Sheryl Lee Ralph has shared an unconventional secret to her successful 20-year marriage: she and her husband, Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes, live in separate residences.
The Emmy Award-winning star of “Abbott Elementary,” is redefining what it means to make a marriage work.
In an interview with PEOPLE, published on Wednesday, Ralph shared candid insights into her unique living arrangement with Hughes, whom she married in July 2005, four years after divorcing her first husband, Eric Maurice, with whom she shares two children.
For Ralph, keeping separate residences has been essential for balancing their personal lives and thriving together as a couple.
“You fall in love with somebody, and you realize he’s not leaving his career. He’s not leaving Philadelphia. I’m not leaving Hollywood,” Ralph said.
The pair has managed to maintain their connection despite being physically apart and are raising a blended family of four children.
“Every two weeks, we saw each other, and it has continued to work out well,” Ralph explained. “When I go to see him, I love to see him. When it’s time to leave, ‘Bye-bye. See you soon.’ I’m telling you, life is good.”
The 68-year-old actor and Broadway performer has a son, Etienne Maurice, and a daughter, Ivy-Victoria Maurice, with her former husband Eric Maurice, whom she was married to from 1990 until 2001. According to Essence, Hughes, who is also 68, reportedly has two additional children.
For Ralph, recognizing that everyone has their own area to excel is an essential factor in their achievement. “He has his own life. I have my own life. He has his own real career. I have my own real career. He has his light to stand in. I have my light to stand in,” she added. “He is not looking at me thinking about status or this or that. He’s doing his thing. I get to do my thing.”
Even though the two don’t live together, they still make sure to communicate and tackle any problems that arise. Ralph said that when it comes to her personal relationships, she’s learned over the years to discuss issues when they come up instead of letting them fester.
The couple is preparing to commemorate two decades of marriage this July. Reflected on their journey, Sheryl Lee Ralph noted, “Some people can’t even get through two,” before adding, “So it’s all good. It is all good.”
